OEM INTERVIEW | ROLLS-ROYCE
FIRST LOOK
Rolls-Royce first teased
the notion of its foray into
electrification with the
102EX, also known as the
Phantom Experimental
Electric, back in 2011.
The 6.75-liter V12 petrol
engine was replaced by
a high energy density
lithium ion battery pack and
two electric 145kW motors,
producing over 800Nm
torque and a 0-60mph time
of under eight seconds.
Despite the exciting
flash of ankle, there were
no plans to actually build
a production version. The
idea of the 102EX was to
gauge customer feedback to
ask the question of whether
electrification was right for
the brand. It was to also
embark on a global drive
program across Europe, the
Middle East, Asia, and North
America to test, evaluate
and glean data on electric
drivetrain technologies for
future models, if any.
Rolls-Royce owner. With today’s EV owners
complaining about charging outlets crammed
into damp corners of public parking spaces – or
in front of busy service stations – it becomes
hard to imagine the world’s elite waiting the
length of time it currently takes to top up the
batteries under these circumstances.
Does this make electric propulsion di cult
to sell to the typical Rolls-Royce buyer? “No, on
the contrary. I think lots of our customers are
very technically a ne,” says Müller-Ötvös.
“There will be some customers that wish to
stick to the current V12, as it is already very
quiet and powerful, but electrifi cation fi ts
perfectly with the brand. It is powerful, has
lots of torque and is green. There is no issue, as
long as we can guarantee a certain range with
the cars and ensure charging times are short
and the process is eff ortless. But we are
“We are talking
about a future
picture where
range is in excess
of 400km (250
miles)… We think
this figure will
be sufficient”
www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com // July 2019 // 97
1
2
1. The Rolls-Royce 102EX
Phantom Experimental
was fi rst unveiled
back in 2011
2. A look inside the
concept vehicle revealed
a fully-electric drivetrain
opportunity to experience an established
alternative drive-train technology and to feed
back their experiences and concerns, the
project has since spawned a new architecture
(dubbed The Architecture of Luxury) that is
ready to accept full electrifi cation and a fi rm
commitment from the brand to eventually
move away from gasoline.
“For our clients, electric is a great fi t
for the product. It is silent, powerful and
fi ts extremely well. I am also very
confi dent that we will see the battery
range being su cient in the next decade
so for us, it now feels like a very logical step,”
adds Müller-Ötvös.
Expanding the range
Range is a subject that all EV manufacturers
battle with and an issue that remains a
roadblock to ownership for many potential
customers, despite battery technology
improving in recent years, and it is something
Rolls-Royce is keen to get right fi rst time.
“It feels like the more owners get used to the
idea of electric vehicles, the less they worry
about range. We are also talking about a future
picture where range is in excess of 400km (250
miles) and we know the kind of mileage our
clients are doing. We think this fi gure will be
su cient,” he explains.
“Our clients don’t travel from London to
Edinburgh in one go, for example, they will use
other methods or stop along the way. Of
course, the infrastructure has to grow for this
technology to really start fl ying, but we are
confi dent it will.”
Infrastructure is just one side of the story, as
there seems to be a vast disconnect with the
current charging experience and the typical
/www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com